Elizabeth Britt of the underappreciated Latte Republic blog (“Exploring Contemporary Events, Government Accountability, Politics and Third Places in the Space Needle State” http://whatcomforum.blogspot.com/) sent a letter to DOE advising of “a section of beach near Clayton Beach, south of Larrabee State Park, in Skagit County, that is eroding away, due to wave and storm action. On the 14th, the damage was approximately ten feet away from the BNSF rails.” DOE contacted BNSF about this potential risk and the railroad assured the agency that it would take care of the problem.

However, given the large storm that occurred today, there is the possibility that more of the bank has eroded, increasing the odds of a derailment. A derailment this close to the beach would be a disaster. Rail cars could fall on the beach or even in Samish Bay. At least one of Elizabeth’s friends will check out the situation tomorrow morning.